This blog is my attempt to keep track of some of the things I learn along the way, with my Canon 7D, G12 and accessories. All images copyright Brad Calkins, not to be used without permission (or purchase). I do not attempt to monetize my blog, other than to promote my stock photo portfolio on Dreamstime.







Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Vignetting and metering...

I did a quick search around the web, but I couldn't find anyone talking about this particular problem (if it is one).  I've often noticed that different lenses might require different exposure compensation, etc.  It occurs to me that if you are using a prime lens with a wide aperture, especially a wide angle, if has dark fall-off towards the corners (vignetting).  Since today's camera meter with the lens wide open, this must impact the exposure calculation to some degree.  If you end up shooting at the wide aperture, then the metering may well be bang on, but if you are stopping down to f/8 and the vignetting is gone - you may well end up with overexposure.  Just another thing to think about, but at some point I'm curious enough to do a quick test with my prime lenses...

Monday, July 26, 2010

GF1 doesn't disappoint...

I was thinking about my Panasonic GF1 the other day and there is really only one thing that bugs me - the inability to zoom in on playback and then step through pictures to compare them. I was telling this to a friend and was saying that they could have just used the dial's ability to be pushed in to swap modes. As I was saying this I actually did push the button in and lo and behold it did exactly what I wanted. So there you have it - nothing to complain about :) Seriously, though, it is a very capable camera, especially if there isn't too much dynamic range. I find on a bright sunny day it is hard to hold the highlights - but this is a bit more technical than it seems as I'm usually happy with the photos themselves...


I also really like combining Lightroom's Black and White ability with my GF1: